Ministries to introduce gender-neutral toilets

All ministries will be required to introduce gender neutral toilets within all of their respective buildings by September 2016, the government announced today.

In a statement, the ministry of social dialogue explained that the aim of gender-neutral toilets is to ensure a non-judgmental or exclusive environment for all.

“Gender neutral toilets ensure privacy and eliminate discomfort for trans and gender variant persons, who often find themselves in uncomfortable situations when trying to access gender segregated toilets.”

The ministry of social dialogue went on to explain that gender segregated spaces will remain within ministry buildings, but that a minimum of one third of toilets within these buildings is to become gender-neutral.

“In order to be truly available for all, gender neutral toilets will be distributed equally among buildings and their respective floors. All gender neutral toilets will have neutral signage on the same lines of the one attached in this press release,” the ministry said, adding that these bathrooms reflect the government’s policy in favour of gender mainstreaming by ensuring that toilet facilities are easily accessible and functional, as well as its policy against gender stereotypes and gender discrimination.

The change is an effect of the Gender Identity Bill which was unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives in April of last year.

The Bill allowed people not to require a medical intervention to be recognised in the gender with which one identified. As a result, everyone has the right to request the director of the public registry to change the recorded gender and first name to reflect that person’s self-gender identity.

A year after the Bill was passed, the university students’ council KSU introduced gender-neutral bathrooms on campus in a bid to “create a safe space” for transgender students.